What are the best virtual facilitation tools for large group facilitators?

1 Why virtual facilitation tools matter

Virtual facilitation tools are software applications or platforms that enable you to design and deliver online sessions for large groups. They can help you to create a sense of presence, connection, and participation among your participants, as well as to facilitate communication, collaboration, and learning. Virtual facilitation tools can also help you to manage the dynamics and challenges of large group facilitation, such as keeping everyone focused, involved, and aligned, as well as dealing with technical issues, diversity, and conflict.

3 What are the types of virtual facilitation tools

Virtual facilitation tools can be classified into different types according to their main functions and features. For instance, video conferencing tools such as Zoom, Skype, Google Meet, and Microsoft Teams allow you to see and hear your participants, as well as to share your screen and chat. Collaboration tools like Google Docs, Google Slides, Miro, and Trello enable you to work together on documents, projects, or tasks. Engagement tools like Mentimeter, Kahoot, Poll Everywhere, and Padlet let you interact with your participants through polls, surveys, quizzes, games, or other activities. Additionally, feedback tools like SurveyMonkey, Google Forms, Slido, and Typeform let you collect and analyze feedback from your participants.

4 How to use virtual facilitation tools effectively

Using virtual facilitation tools successfully for large groups requires careful planning, setting expectations, active facilitation, and evaluation and improvement. You need to plan your session ahead of time, choosing the right tools for your objectives, audience, and content, as well as testing them beforehand. Additionally, it is essential to communicate with participants about the purpose, agenda, rules, roles and responsibilities of everyone involved, and how to use the tools. During the session, you should use the tools to create a positive atmosphere, encourage participation and interaction, monitor and manage the group dynamics, and adapt as needed. Lastly, you should evaluate your session by gathering and analyzing feedback to measure results and outcomes in order to improve your skills and tools for future sessions.

5 How to learn more about virtual facilitation tools

If you want to learn more about virtual facilitation tools and how to use them for large group facilitation, exploring online resources such as blogs, podcasts, videos, webinars, or courses can help you discover and learn about different virtual facilitation tools and best practices. Additionally, joining online communities like forums, groups, or networks can help you connect and interact with other virtual facilitators and exchange ideas. Finally, experimenting and practicing with different virtual facilitation tools by trying them out yourself or asking for feedback from others can help you develop your confidence and competence. It can also help you find out what works best for you and your participants.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?